Our 2013 treks and expeditions

Here is a list of treks and expeditions we have previously advertised.
The links may lead to updated versions of the info pages.
It may appear that we spend our entire lives trekking. You would be almost right!
We care about each and every trek all the same.

See Nepal treks and India treks for current treks.

* means these wonderful people have trekked multiple times with us.
+ means summitted the expedition peak.

Recent previous treks | 2019-21| 2018
2017 | 2016 |2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012
2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006
2005 | 2004 | 2002-03 | 2000-01 | pre-2000

2011-2015 expeditions | 2000-2010 expeditions | 2004-2010 expedition dispatches

2013 Fall Nepal

Everest High Passes Trek - Nepal

The best of the Everest region! We cross the Cho La & Renjo La ( with Kongma La option), visit Everest Base Camp, explore the spectacular Gokyo lakes valley, climb Gokyo Ri, Kala Pattar & Chhukhung Ri and trek the Chhukhung & Thame valleys, relaxing in Sherpa lodges en route.

17 Nov-11 Dec, 25 days — teahouse trekking — Kim & Lhakpa — US$3180
Team: Steve M, Simon, Justin & Christine, Julie & Ian, Stuart & Kathy, Leslie S****, Kim & Kyle, Bridget, Gordon & Kevin, Velvet
Crew: Lhakpa, Junar, Suresh, Yamo, Maile, Chiitre & yakmen Pasang & Mingma

GHT: Tilman's & Tashi Labtsa Wild

Another 42 day special, a quarter of the Nepal GHT. Langtang to the Rolwaling and Khumbu, delightfully cultural with some serious, high passes. What are you waiting for?

21 Oct-1 Dec, 42 days — expedition style — Jamie McGuinness -- US$4980
Tilman's: 21 Oct-8 Nov, 19 days — US$2480 — full
Team: Esther****, Ole, Henning, John - and Tom and Emma
Crew: Dawa (sirdar), Samden (climbing sherpa), Wangchu & Aiteram (sherpa), Kami (cook), Pasang "shiny pots", Pirkay, Dhirendra (kitchenhands), Dawa (porter cook), Lhakpa (porter leader) and 22 porters

Tashi Labtsa: 6 Nov-1 Dec, 26 days — US$2980
Team: Paul******, Celesta******, David Lue (Tom and Emma switched to the above)
Crew: Pasang Gombu (sirdar), Samden (climbing sherpa), Tawa (cook), Pasang "shiny pots", Pirkay, Dhirendra (kitchenhands)
Lhakpa (porter leader) and 11 star porters

In case you didn't already know, Tilman's Pass and the Tashi Labtsa are serious mountaineering passes and, together with Paul and Celesta, having crossed all of the "high" route GHT passes we can say definitively it is definitely better labelled the "Extreme" route. We were certainly reminded of that. Luckily for Tilman's snow conditions were good, the weather perfect and the crew competent, and the 300+m of rope was almost enough. Surprisingly it wasn't the pass that gave us grief, but route-finding after Panch Pokhari. The Extreme GHT route goes to The Last Resort, rather than the more popular route down, and we got lost with an steep bush bash with a bit of bamboo abseiling to get down to the bottom of a valley. With unclear directions and a wrong map and guide book, it turned epic as we descended down on a non-existent trail, our very first midnight trek. I saw the eyes of a bear and thank goodness nobody was injured over the ridiculous terrain, even if Paul did fall off the first bridge (!). Thanks also to Dhirendra and Lhakpa, especially, for superstar efforts.

The adventures continued with another afternoon getting lost session. Somehow all 40 of us missed the main trail, if there was one, and we couldn't find a guide on the main day of Dasain (the biggest holiday of the year). So we camped in a kharka to the surprise of the crone there then found a good trail the next morning. We still arrived for our rest at the Last Resort on schedule.

It was a pity our plan of using the staff who would have crossed with Philippe Gatta (running the GHT) didn't work due to ex-cyclone Phailin and the huge dump of snow. But this is Nepal, and this is the extreme route...

Sadly Ole, Henning, John and Esther had to leave, and Tom and Emma also bailed, finding the trekking tough and emotionally tough but wouldn't you know, it suddenly got easier. Our bridging section between The Last Resort and Jagat was a series of comfortable half days, and even the day we did two days in one was easy enough.

From Jagat we decided to take the more adventurous and more scenic upper route, avoiding the road, and had three pleasant camps before Beding. Instead of spending two nights there, we spent three at Na, the sun lasts much longer. After dropping loads higher, the porters returned (only three days back to their village!) and the sherpas and kitchen crew humped big loads. Luckily the trail was in surprisingly good condition and the weather - PERFECT, for weeks on end. We ended up crossing a few days early and Paul and David lounged around, luxuriating in Namche. Celesta had other ideas though and we slept on top of the Renjo La (yes, to everyone's surprise, on the very top, no tent) for a wonderful moonrise (ummm, having missed the sunset) and also on the very top of Gokyo Ri, where we did catch sunset and sunrise.

Congratulations - basically Paul, Celesta and Jamie have trekked the entire GHT Nepal section extreme route!

Second row: Dawa (porter cook), Esther Tan, Tom, John, Ole, Paul
Third row: Emma, Henning, Celesta, Aiteram, Samden, Pasang
Sitting: Dawa Gelje, a porter, Jamie, Mingma Lhakpa
Missing, minding the camp: Kami (cook), Dhirendra

Tawa, Jamie, David, Celesta and Paul recovering in Namche - Jamie

Nar Phu & the Last Nomads of Mustang - Nepal

A wild trek to Mustang from the fortified village of Nar Phu. The Tibetan Buddhist kingdom of Mustang is home to the last Tibetan nomads of Nepal, a land of walled cities, fortresses, traditional villages, sculpted canyons, Neolithic caves, fossils, and Himalayan peaks soaring above the Kali Gandaki River gorge.

9 Oct-7 Nov, 30 days — expedition style — Kim & Lhakpa — US$4680 — nearly full
Team: Jeff B****, John*** & Cath, Dennis B***, Doris, Els**, Bill L, Gary G, Heike, Sue W
Crew: Lhakpa, Junar, Suresh, Yamo, kitchen crew & horsemen

2013 Indian summer

Kanji Magic *friends

A delightful loop of peaceful camps, picturesque villages, fascinating gompas and high passes with gorgeous panoramas, and probably the best three week adventure in Ladakh.

1-20 Sept, 20 days — Leh to Leh — expedition style — Jamie McGuinness — US$2580
Team: Ornella******, Pik********, Raewyn***** and Peter
Crew: Lobsang, Phuntsok, Kunsang, Ram Lal and Harish and 10 horses - the classic crew...

Delightful trekking!

Peter Green, Ornella, Raewyn, Pic, Lobsang, Ram Lal, Punsok, Kunsang and Harish; Jamie took the picture

Wild Ladakh & Zanskar Kora - Ladakh

The ultimate in our Indian Himalaya explorations, a Tibetan Buddhist 'kora' through pristine nomadic regions, sparkling river canyons and over high passes trekking through Ladakh's most remote regions and villages. Real adventure & great trekking.

27 Aug-26 Sept, 31 days — Leh to Leh — expedition style — Kim & Lhakpa — US$3880
Team: Sole***, Monique, Manuel, Greg, Jill, Tom B, Naomi & Brian (dad)
Crew: Lhakpa, Junar, Suresh, Yamo, Samphel, Sherap, Hari Dal & Karma

++ Lungser Kangri 6666m

For the not so superstitious, climb Ladakh's highest accessible peak. We have the best Lungser Kangri itinerary, glorious trekking on a route that makes sense, a balance of sound acclimatization, plus a confidence-building warm up 6000m peak. Join us!

30 July-20 Aug, 22 days — Leh to Leh — expedition style — ++Jamie McGuinness -- US$3480
Team: +Paul and +Marischka, +Ranjan Banerji**, ++Olivier D**, Ashby C and ++Garry D
Crew: ++Lobang, Phuntsok, Ram Lal, Harish, Tenzing (kitchen hand), Tenzin (cowboy horseman), Stanzing (horse helper) and 18 (+3) horses

Another superb trip on all levels. Success almost all round on the first 6226m peak, so much so Paul and Marischka were happy with that and the trek; sadly Ashby cracked a rib or two coughing so wasn't able to head to 6666m, and Ranjan's back played up (they all returned from Tsomoriri) so it was left to Olivier and Garry to salvage our reputation on Lungser Kangri, which we did in less than 5 hours from our good high camp (quicker than any other team, thanks to sound acclimatization), even if the dog beat us to the top. With 15cm of new snow, we didn't even use crampons!

Our exploratory Tirido start worked well without meeting another group, even if not exactly as planned due to ambitious horsemen. Those open spaces littered with kiang... And we saw Tibetan Argali sheep (Marco Polo sheep), Lobsang's and myself's (and our trekkers) first ever sighting, so rarer than snow leopard. A fox also wandered around our camp, and Garry, a birder, spotted no less than 34 species. We suffered one ordinary campsite at Thugje (will avoid next time), the rest peaceful and pleasant. The often cloudy and stormy weather was photographically captivating and luckily the raincoat only came out once or perhaps twice on the trail, although hail clattered and rain splattered many nights, and while we had relatively mild conditions, parts of India we hammered with deadly flooding.

The trekking was definitely good, mostly superb, those glorious open valleys ringed by subtly colourful hills and mountains and the peace of naturally tired muscles and healthy meals. A bit of a detox for most of us. And a big thank you to Lobsang, Punsok, Ram Lal and the rest of the crew. Logistics were smooth as silk (except the road engineers who blew out more than they expected so a delay of a day in pickup) and coming over a rise to a camp already set up, tea and snacks ready, was a joy, and we didn't need head torches, unusually for a Jamie exploratory trip, only two minor misjudgments on timing. And back to the trekking fare, the special Manali red rice or top quality basmati rice and those subtly flavoured dishes, always a pleasure to eat, and probably the best there is. I know we will see everyone back - thanks!

Paul, Marischka, Garry, Lobsang, Ranjan and Olivier; Jamie took the photo, and Ashby on walkabout

Ladakh Traverse

With some spare crew Lobsang and Jamie arranged a trek for previous trekker Andy Macdonald and friends...

Team: Andy MacD**, Andy Radin, Carmen
Crew: Kunsang, Paljor and Dorje and horse team

What a trek...

North Nomads Pangong Lake *exploratory

A wild, exploratory trek into the high, hauntingly beautiful nomadic regions of Kharnak, Rupshu and Pangong, with high passes, lakeside camping and new routes to the almost untrekked stunning Pangong Lake. We expect this to be one of our best Ladakh treks ever ...

22 July-21 Aug, 31 days — Leh to Leh — expedition style — Kim & Lhakpa — US$3880
Team: Mr Bob***, Martin S***, Sally L***, Bruce***, Anne W, Agnes J, Clint W*
Crew: Lhakpa, Junar, Suresh, Yamo, Samphel, Sherap, Hari Dal & Karma

Changthang Passes *exploratory

High, high, high! We explore the spine of the Ladakh Range aiming for an uncrossed 5850m pass and will probably scramble up a few 6000m hills too. Great altitude training, surprisingly grassy camps, a Pangong Lake bonus and real exploration!

9-28 July, 20 days — Leh to Leh — expedition style — Jamie McGuinness — US$2480

Sadly cancelled due to all members independently changing plans, unusual luck.

Nomads, Lakes & High Passes

A new route! Following caravan routes of yore over Himalayan passes and through the Changthang plateau, ours is one of Ladakh's most remote and challenging treks. We journey through the spectacular region of high lakes, ford sparkling rivers and camp with the nomads, with snow-capped Himalaya peaks as a backdrop for our green, beautiful campsites.

19 June-17 July, 29 days — Leh to Leh — expedition style — Kim & Lhakpa — US$3780
Team: Ron L**, Charlie L**, Billy L, Annie A***, Shilpi R**
19 June-8 July, 20 days — Leh to Leh — expedition style — — Kim & Lhakpa — US$2980
Team: Angie, Chetna, James H
Crew: Lhakpa, Junar, Suresh, Yamo, Samphel, Sherap, Hari Dal & Karma

L-R: Lhakpa Dorji, James, Annie, Charlie, Ron & Billy L, Angie, Shilpi, Chetna & Samphel - photo by Kim

L-R (long trek): Billy, Shilpi, Kim, Charlie, Annie & Ron - photo Lhakpa Dorji

Zanskar Traverse

Across Zanskar has always been the classic trek; we avoid the new roads as much as possible with two adventurous variations that few dare for mesmerizing views, stunning wild camping and pretty villages. The updated classic.

9 June-5 July, 26 days — Leh to Leh — expedition style — Jamie McGuinness — US$2980
Team: Filip**, Laura L
Crew: Lobsang, Phuntsok, Ram Lal and Harish and 9 horses-mules

What a trek! This was a Zanskar Spring trek of Joel's yore, and we had to hunker down as some unusual storms came though (destroying Kedarnath), so began a few days later with an epic crossing of the Shingo La, poor horses up to their bellies in parts. Lobsang had to cut their loads by half, dumping gear near the top and sleeping with it, then the crew went up the next night to retrieve it, amazing dedication.

The rest of the trip was spectacular, both a stunning variety of scenery, and a real adventure. The Zanskar Traverse is still one of the very best treks there is, a spiritual and panoramic journey and it is a shame that we have so few people along. Oh, did I mention the meals? Punsok was on top form, it really was gourmet trekking, and Lobsang had everything superbly arranged.

And wildlife... Filip saw a snow leopard!

This is our third sighting on a commercial trek, although this time was brief as it streaked away from him. We clocked up an impressive list on this trip too, with a fox, a wolf (including distant photo), blue sheep, ibex, a golden eagle, lammergeier, and some curious Hindu babas...

Yes, it was the trip of a lifetime!

Check out Jamie's 2013 Zanskar Traverse Flickr set.

Punsok, Ram Lal, Harish, Lobsang, Filip and Laura; Jamie took the photo

2013 spring

Sacred Dolpo to Mustang - Nepal

Upper Dolpo, a Tibetan border region of hidden villages and monasteries tucked away in remote Himalayan valleys, is Nepal's Shangri-La. Join our explorations to the most far-flung of Dolpo's destinations - Shey, Phoksumdo Lake, Panzang valley & the high route to Mustang.

1-31 May, 31 days — expedition style — Kim & Lhakpa — US$5180
Team: Graham*****, Paul K*****, Leigh**, Joan, Lorraine, Elizabeth, Howard & Bec, Mark & Rosie, Gotz, Matej & Suki

L-R: Matej, Gotz (back), Lorraine, Paul K (back), Joan, Mark (back), Graham (back), Rosie, Leigh, Elizabeth (back), Phutsok, Kim - photo by Lhakpa Dorji

Upper Mustang Peaks *exploratory

Stunning! We are opening up new trekking peaks, one at a time. Be part of the fun as we trek through the most gorgeous, sculpted rock panoramas and remarkable ancient gompas, and climb a hopefully straightforward 6000m peak or two, real peak exploring.

22 Apr-19 May, 28 days — expedition style and tea-house trekking — Jamie McGuinness — US$3980
Team: Sole LT**, Helena Swinkels, Mick Le P
Crew: Karma (local guide), Rakesh (horseman), Nima (cook), Pasang Tamang and Jangbu (kitchen), Lhakpa (extra with the horses)

See Jamie's Flickr photo album 2013 Upper Mustang Exploration.

I felt like we were deciphering a treasure map so exploring around Upper Mustang turned out to be a frustrating experience for some, but fun for others. Essentially we could not easily get to the peak, and on a backup area we bailed just as it started to get interesting (or frustrating, depending on your point of view). We have added a few more trails to the maps (literally) to an area that is surprisingly under-explored, at the very least.

In detail, first we trekked the Tiri high route via Tshumpag to Samar which was physically tough and had one tricky section for the mules, Karma and Rakesh has to rebuild a section of the trail. Acclimatization on this quick jaunt to ~3800m will likely also be an issue for some trekkers, although wasn’t for us. After a series of pleasant camps and lodges we explored Lo Manthang then the exploration began.

We found the legendary Cho Dzong Gompa, and what a trek there, too, and was a real highlight of the trek. The gompa is in a sad state though.

Heading to Gaugiri we found trails not on the map but also multiple difficulties. We could have risked taking the mules through a canyon still filled with spring ice but above was a 5700m pass, definitely not possible for the mules and might have been a challenge for a couple of members. The mules would have had to cross into Tibet and back again, something we didn't want to risk, and finally our exit was still rumoured to be blocked with snow, as indeed it was, we found later, so rerouting was the best option.

The eastern side of the Kali Gandaki is rough camping with little water and plenty of up and down between its altitude range. We spied another area worthy of exploration but closer up a couple of wrong turns disheartened people and we turned back, to have 3 days perfect weather. Another highlight of the trip though, was the semi-fabled section from Tangge to Chhusang, one of the most beautiful day’s trekking in the Himalaya...

Remote Kanchenjunga - Nepal *exploratory

Nestled in the far east of Nepal is one of Nepal's most spectacular trekking regions. In addition to the north and south base camps we head off the beaten track to Olangchun Gola, as we explore this region of Rais, Limbus and Tibetans.

19 Mar-19 Apr, 32 days — expedition style — Kim & Lhakpa — US$4680
Team: Mike Schumacher****, Larry***, Rick***, Allan B****, Kevin*, Dean**, Lori** and Sole LT*

L-R (back): Mike, Allan, Kevin, Dean, Lori, Larry. L-R (front): Kim, Sole - photo Lhakpa Dorji

2013 Winter

2013 Chadar Expedition

We trek the semi-frozen Zanskar River while frost smoke wreathes the trees, in the company of Zanskaris still using this ancient trade route. This is THE must do trip for the seasoned trekker!

13-31 Jan, 19 days — expedition style — Leh-Leh — Ade Summers — US$2980 including gear
Team: Bill Crozier and Phil Metzger
Crew: Lobsang

I just completed the 2013 trek with Ade and the experience was spectacular. Ade and Lobsang were great and the dialed in support was what makes the expedition so special.

- Phil

Recent previous treks | 2019-21| 2018
2017 | 2016 |2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012
2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006
2005 | 2004 | 2002-03 | 2000-01 | pre-2000

2011-2015 expeditions | 2000-2010 expeditions | 2004-2010 expedition dispatches